India, Kazakhstan pitch for stability in Af-Pak re

Astana: Ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation
Organisation summit here, India and Kazakhstan on Tuesday pitched
for stability in the troubled Af-Pak region which is often
described as the epicenter of global terrorism.

External Affairs Minister S M Krishna, who is here to
attend the summit, today met Kazakhstan President Nursultan
Nazarbayev and apprised him of India`s role and development
assistance in Afghanistan.

The two leaders also reviewed the regional situation,
including the developments in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Krishna briefed Nazarbayev on India`s ongoing dialogue
with Pakistan and mentioned that he looked forward to the
visit of Pakistan`s Foreign Minister to New Delhi next month
for talks.

"The two leaders spoke for the need for a peaceful and
stable region which is good for both the region and world
beyond," officials said.
Nazarbayev appreciated India`s role in SCO and
declared his support for India`s membership of the regional
forum.

Nazarbayev and Krishna also reviewed the bilateral
relations between the two countries and looked forward to
deepening further cooperation among them.

Krishna also met Chinese President Hu Jintao and
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.
They exchanged pleasantries, said an official.